WATERCOLOR

Jessie Arms Botke ,once described herself as a decorative artist with a flair for birds. Born in Chicago in 1883. She studied with Johansen, Woodbury and Herter at Chicago's Art Institute. Moved to New York to pursue her artistic career.

There, she worked in interior design and also created tapestries, friezes, and murals. One such mural sent her to the Bronx Zoo to sketch where she was fascinated by the form of a peacock. From then on, birds became her specialty.

With their rich plumage and realistic renderings, Botke's birds are brought to life amongst flowers, gardens, and still-life settings. The artist's work evokes decorative elegance and style and her romance with the winged species is immediately obvious to the viewer.

After years of painting in Paris and Holland, Jessie Arms Botke settled on a farm in southern California where she worked until her death in 1971.

Awards: Englewood Woman's Club 1917; Peoria Society of Allied Arts, 1918; Chicago Society of Artists, 1919.

Collection: Municipal Gallery, Chicago; Chicago Art Institute.

This is a original watercolor that was initialed by Botke. Also included and pictured is the greeting that she also signed. This little Watercolor was painted in California later in her life. Absolutely stunning colors!